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Liberals on shore gas policy will drive down gas prices

Member for Ripon Louise Staley has hailed the Liberals on Shore Gas Policy as a win for farmers, and those struggling to pay high gas bills.

A Liberal Government will legislate to allow onshore conventional gas exploration and production in Victoria on a case-by-case basis while maintaining the current ban on fracking.

The policy will create a new royalty sharing scheme that will allow local landowners to benefit from gas produced from beneath their land. Landowners will receive a 10% share of the royalty paid to the government of the net post-wellhead sales value of recovered gas.

The rights of landowners will be protected with a right of veto over conventional gas exploration and production on their land.

Ripon MP Louise Staley says the new gas policy will provide cheaper gas and create more jobs while protecting our environment and farmland.

“This policy will help put the brakes on soaring gas prices that are currently hurting Victorian households and businesses.” Ms Staley said.

“Our onshore gas policy complements our position on renewable energy and provides a clear alternative to Daniel Andrews’ reckless, go-it-alone VRET of 40% by 2025 which will drive up prices and hurt the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Liberal leader Matthew Guy said Victorians will have a clear choice on energy policy at the next election.

“The conventional gas industry has successfully existed in Victoria for decades and together with Victoria’s world-class brown coal reserves, has previously been responsible for our state’s position as Australia’s low-cost energy powerhouse.”

“Allowing the private sector to locate new sources of gas will help to bring more supply into the Victorian energy market and reduce cost pressures.”

“It will be a choice between Daniel Andrews’ energy policies that puts Greens voters first or Liberal policies that put Victorians first.”